First, say which action happened first, then join the sentences using the words in brackets, as in the example.
1 He saved a lot of money. Then, he bought a car. (when)
saved a lot of money: happened first
When he had saved a lot of money, he bought a car.
2 She hung out the washing. Then, it began to rain. (after)
3 Fiona tidied the house. Then, the children arrived home. (by the time)
4 The guests left. Then, she started cleaning. (when)
5 The girls put on their uniforms. Then, they went to school. (before)
6 The meeting started. Then, the lights went out. (already … when)
Put the verbs in brackets into the past perfect or the past perfect continuous.
1 A: Did you do anything last night?
B: I went to the gym and I ...had just arrived... (just/ arrive) home when Michael called me. He said he … (try) to call me for ten minutes before I finally answered the phone.
2 A: Did you catch any fish on your fishing trip today?
B: Yes. I … (sit) in the boat for two hours when I caught a huge fish.
3 A: Did you enjoy the open-air concert yesterday?
B: The music was good, but the weather was terrible. The concert … (just/start) when suddenly, it began to rain. The musicians … (only/play) for ten minutes.
A: What a shame!
4 A: Was the house tidy when you got home?
B: Yes, the children … (dust) the furniture and they … (put away) all of their toys.
5 A: Why were you so upset this morning?
B: Well, I … (clean) the house for hours when the children came in with muddy shoes.
6 A: Why are you so late for work this morning?
B: I’m sorry. I … (wait) for the train for over an hour before it eventually arrived.